Legendary Bollywood actor Prem Chopra doesn’t need any introduction. He is very much recognized for his villainous roles in several iconic films. However, many of you might be surprised to know that the veteran actor started off his career through Punjabi industry! Yes, you read it right!
In a recent interview, veteran actor Prem Chopra recalled his early days of career and shared how he got a major break only after his appearance in the 1960 Punjabi film, ‘Chaudhary Karnail Singh’. The film starred Jagdish Sethi, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri and Jabeen Jalil. During the conversation, he walked down memory lane and talked about the days he was working in the circulation department in the Times of India and bagged a role in the film.
“I was spotted there by somebody, and he said, can you come with me to the Ranjit Studios? He said, it’s the role of the leading man but in a Punjabi film. Beggars are no choosers. So I said, let’s see how it works out. And that was ‘Chaudhary Karnail Singh’. It was the biggest hit of that time. We got a National Award and the biggest hit in Punjabi films. “
He continued, “Then a lot of people came to me for Punjabi films. And I said, ye zyada hi ho gaya kuch, I don’t want to lose my job. I have to be careful about it.” The veteran actor revealed that he did not leave his newspaper job even after his film became a success, but he was determined to be an actor. During his stint with the leading daily, he acted in Punjabi films and also did Hindi movies including ‘Woh Kaun Thi?’, Shaheed, ‘Main Shaadi Karne Chala’ and ‘Teesri Manzil’, among others.
“I didn’t quit. I did a lot of pictures during that job,” the actor said.
Nevertheless, his on-screen presence in Punjabi films is missed. Don’t you think?
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